End of Life Care

Being told that you or someone you love and care for has a life limiting illness is tough news to receive. The care an individual needs at this time will be focused upon supporting him or her to have the best possible quality of life, independence and control over their life and care. The following information is aimed at helping both the patient, the people important to him or her and the professional people who are caring for the individual.

Palliative and end of life care is about treatment and care focusing on the needs of the whole person as well as their family, carers and friends. It is not just about managing pain and other symptoms but includes support to deal with emotional needs, social and spiritual needs, care in bereavement and help dealing with the financial effects of facing an end of life situation.

There are a range of supportive services available to support the patient at this time, these are listed on the NHS Heron website .

WNCCG has a strong commitment to providing EOLC services of high quality. For more info about particular areas of the services and service developments, please contact End of Life Commissioning Manager via WNCCG's contact email: contact.wnccg [at] nhs.net

Who provides end of life care?

Many healthcare professionals can be involved in providing end of life care, depending on your needs. Hospital doctors and nurses, your GP, community nurses, hospice staff and counsellors might all be involved, as well as social services, religious ministers, physiotherapists or complementary therapists.

Most hospitals have special palliative care teams who co-ordinate all these services. As a patient, you have the right to choose where you want to receive care and where you want to die. A palliative care team can provide end of life care to patients and their families in hospitals, care homes, hospices and at home.

The following websites will give more information on End of Life care: